The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and First Nations Media Australia (FNMA) are to share knowledge and staff with the aim of increasing the number of Indigenous voices and stories seen and heard in Australian media.
Across the next 12 months, the ABC and FNMA will bring their skills and perspectives to three media collaborations around news gathering; festivals and events; and content co-production.
Managing Director at the ABC, David Anderson said the partnership would support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in media and increase the number and diversity of Indigenous stories.
“Both organisations have much to learn from each other,” Mr Anderson said.
“The sharing of skills around broadcast production, communications and Indigenous storytelling will mean Australian audiences will have a much richer experience with access to a much broader range of Indigenous content in coming years.”
He said the partners had already started working on projects that included the mentoring of emerging Indigenous sports broadcasters and making available ABC’s emergency broadcast feeds to FNMA members.
“Other projects include a focus on Indigenous sport on ABC Digital Radio, and the provision of legal advice by ABC Legal through an arrangement with the Australian Pro Bono Centre,” Mr Anderson said.
Chair of FNMA, Naomi Moran (pictured) said the First Nations media sector represented the voices of black Australia.
“We are responsible for truth-telling through our news and current affairs and the authentic storytelling of our people and communities,” Ms Moran said.
“Partnering with the ABC will further amplify and celebrate the work being undertaken by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reporters and broadcasters across areas often overlooked by mainstream media,” she said.
